editor’s note: on the evening of Dec 29, 2019, the wider Jewish community including area synagogues and Chabad of Montclair, as well as interfaith allies gathered for the lighting of the communal Hanukkiah as an act of solidarity in light of recent attacks on Jews.
RESILIENCE
By Judith Antelman
on a corner in December
in the cold in the rain
we light one candle
we remember
with community & family
with strangers & friends (more…)
editor’s note: on the evening of Dec 29, 2019, the wider Jewish community including area synagogues and Chabad of Montclair, as well as interfaith allies gathered for the lighting of the communal Hanukkiah as an act of solidarity in light of recent attacks on Jews.
Report and Opinion from a Rainy Night of Solidarity
By Aileen Grossberg
The night was cool and rainy but the hearts were warm and the voices strong. Scores of people from Montclair area synagogues were joined by others of all faiths to stand in solidarity against the recent spate of anti-semitic acts in the tri-state area.
The concern was palpable as small groups talked in hushed voices about the incidents of the last weeks. But there was also determination to not give in to fear and to do something to fight this growing wave of anti-semitism and violence. (more…)
Shomrei Emunah was bursting with happiness and fun as we welcomed Hanukkah a little early this year. The Hanukkah Band, performing for the 9th year in a row, outdid itself. So many musicians ages 7-75+ and such good music! Not only are we multi-generational, but we had two families of musicians that were multi-generational. French horn player (and
shofar blower extraorinaire) Elana was joined by her son, Natan on violin. Merrill’s son, Dan, came from NYC to play tenor sax with his mother at the piano.
Wed, Dec 11, 7:30pm
Free, Light Refreshments Served
Shomrei Emunah, 67 Park St. Montclair
Rabbi Nathalie Lastreger, one of the leading voices in Masorti (Traditionial) Judaism, is an activist for religious pluralism and human rights in Israel today. She will speak at Congregation Shomrei Emunah and looks forward to an honest and provocative adult discussion about “The Challenges Facing Israel Today as a Jewish State and a Democratic, Open Society.”
(more…)
Aileen Grossberg sends us this poem written by her friend Norman S. Pollack. On Monday, October 21, 2019, Four synagogues joined up on Montclair’s Church Street to celebrate Simhat Torah, B’nai Keshet, Congregation Shomrei Emunah, Temple Ner Tamid and Temple Sholom of West Essex.
The Miracle on Church Street
It happened beneath commercial lights,
On the corner was “Anthropologie:”
Twelve musicians in the diasporax
‘neath a Fullerton sign, “Pure Energy.”
